Many cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy experience hair loss, and this can have a significant blow on their self-esteem and emotional well-being. However, there is hope. Hair transplant after chemotherapy can be an excellent way to restore hair and confidence.
Can Cancer Patients Get Hair Transplants?
One common question that arises is whether cancer patients can get hair transplants. The answer is that it depends on the individual and their unique situation. In general, hair transplant is not recommended during chemotherapy treatment. However, it can be a viable option after chemotherapy is completed, and the patient’s hair has grown back.
It is important to wait several months after chemotherapy treatment is completed before undergoing a hair transplant. This is because chemotherapy can damage the hair follicles and scalp, and the scalp needs time to heal. Additionally, the hair needs time to grow back to a certain length, which will be used for the hair transplant procedure.
Hair Transplant Options for Cancer Patients
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures available: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). The choice of which procedure to use depends on the patient’s individual circumstances, such as the amount of hair loss and the condition of the scalp.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a less invasive option that is often recommended for patients who have undergone chemotherapy. This procedure involves removing individual hair follicles from the back of the scalp and transplanting them to the areas where hair is needed. Your surgeon uses a small, handheld device to extract the hair follicles, which leaves tiny, circular scars that are hardly visible.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), on the other hand, involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head and transplanting the hair follicles from that strip to the areas where hair is needed. This procedure is generally recommended for patients with advanced hair loss.
The FUT procedure leaves a linear scar at the donor site, which can be concealed by the remaining hair. This procedure is more invasive than FUE, and the recovery time is generally longer.
Both FUE and FUT hair transplant procedures are generally performed under local anesthesia and take several hours to complete. The success of the procedure depends on several factors, including the skill of the surgeon, the quality of the hair follicles, and the patient’s overall health.
It is important for patients to consult with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon like Dr. Cooley to determine which procedure is most suitable for your needs. Dr. Cooley will also discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure, as well as the expected outcomes and recovery time.
Hair Transplant North Carolina
If you’re considering hair restoration after chemotherapy, visit Dr. Cooley at our NC hair loss center. Dr. Cooley has helped thousands of patients restore not just their hair but also their confidence.
Call us to schedule a consultation at Cooley Hair Center today. We serve patients in North Carolina, including Charlotte, Lancaster, Mint Hills, Matthews, Monroe, Gastonia, and more.
